Kubuntu 9.10 – A look around Part 2

In my last post, I started to look at the menu and desktop in Karmic Koala.  However, I left off the last two Menu items (Recently Used and Leave).  So I’m adding those here.

The recently used menu item is the same as your Most Recently Used list in Windows.  It will show the most recently used applications for you to find easily enough.

It also includes the most recently visited places (as referenced by cdrom0).  Something to note here, your CD-Drives are referred to as cdrom0, cdrom1, etc…  And they are found in /media instead of “My Computer” (although you can access them through the Dolphin file manager).

The Leave menu makes the Shutdown menu in Windows appear more user-friendly.  In Vista, you had small dialog boxes that appear with the options (aside from the defaults which were the buttons).  In Linux, you have an entire menu window filled with the options.

When you click on one of the options (such as Hibernate, Restart, or Shutdown), you’ll be presented with the following window:

You can either wait for the timer to countdown, click the button to do it immediately, or click Cancel (or possibly outside of the button) to stop it from shutting down.

As mentioned in my previous post, I will talk about updating Kubuntu (and Linux in general) and then I will dig into the taskbar a little deeper (in the following post).

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

Kubuntu 9.10 – A look around the place

I just spent the better part of a month playing around with Karmic Koala, along with coursework and my “job” (tutoring for my local college), so I haven’t had a chance to post anything new here.  Today, I’m going to give you a brief look around the desktop, and how to get certain things done in Karmic Koala.  You’re going to find that it’s eerily similar to Windows—yet different.

First things first:  The Desktop itself.  Kubuntu is designed with the KDE desktop shell, which is patterned after the familiar Windows desktop.  In fact, with a few tweaks, you can make KDE start up in a way that looks almost exactly like Windows XP.  I may touch on this in a later post.

Things to note:

• The “K” in the corner is the KDE version of the “Start Menu” from Windows.
• Your “Desktop” (the icons that you’re used to seeing in Windows) open up inside of a folder, aptly named “Desktop”.  It’s located in /home/username/Desktop.  This location would be the equivalent of “C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop in Windows).
• Linux provides you with a default of 2 “virtual desktops” which can be configured to more and named.  You can move items to the alternate desktop and they run independent of your main desktop.

Now, we’ll take a look at the Start Menu.  It opens up and acts similar to the Vista/Windows 7 Start Menu, in that when you click on an item, it opens over top of the other items in the list.  In XP, things like your Programs menu would open up to the side.

This is the main start menu.  These are the predefined “Favorites” items.  As you can see, the main menu items are along the bottom (as opposed to top down in Windows).

When you click on one of the favorite, it will open that file.  If you click on Applications on the bottom, it will replace those favorites with the Applications menu like this:

This is the functional equivalent of the Programs Menu in Windows.  Where the Programs Menu is divided up by folders or by the name of the publisher (or the name of the program), KDE uses the category that the program falls into (Internet, Multimedia, System, etc).  Clicking on a category (I chose the Internet category) brings up the submenu similar to this:

In the upper right hand corner, it tells you which submenu you are in (“Internet” in my case).  From here, you click the actual program and run it.

Now, we’ll look at the Computer menu:

As you can see, this is divided up into Applications, which are the programs that will take direct effect on the computer or system, and places, which are the main locations that you will probably go.  The places will open up in Dolphin or Nautilus, which is the KDE version of Windows Explorer/My Computer.

The most important things to remember about Linux are these:

• The “root” as listed in the computer section is denoted by a “/” and is the equivalent of the “C:\” in WIndows.
• Also, where Windows uses the \ to denote the separator between folders, Linux uses the / for that. 
• Also Linux doesn’t have  a specific folder like “C:\Windows\” to hold it’s system files.  It may use /sbin or /bin for those (sbin == system binaries and bin == binaries. Binaries are the executable versions of the files).

To a Windows user, this may seem disorganized.  But, Linux follows the “Unix”-style of folder organization, and Unix has been around a lot longer than Windows.  In fact your Macintosh probably uses this same (or similar) style.  The main difference between Windows and Linux here, is that Microsoft took the Unix style, and patterned it into an order that would make more sense to the average user.  Or simply renamed some of the folders to a more meaningful name (C:\Windows and C:\Windows\System32 instead of /sbin.  C:\Program Files instead of /bin.  C:\Documents and Settings or C:\Users instead of /home.) But the functionality is still the same in both.

In my next post, I will take a look at how to update Linux.

Have a great day:) And if you’re in the United States, Happy Thanksgiving.

Patrick.

Kubuntu 9.10 – Installation and Configuration

This first post will be describing the installation of Kubuntu 9.10.  I will use a series of pictures along with short explanations of what’s happening (or what options you can use) on each one.  So, without further ado, here’s Kubuntu…

Screen 1: This first screen welcomes you to the LiveCD and allows you to choose your default language.

After clicking the language, you are presented with screen two.  This screen gives you the option of trying Kubuntu without making changes to your computer (Live CD) or Installing Kubuntu.  These are the two options that most people will use immediately, although it’s recommended to use the Memory Test and Test CD for Defects options first.

 

The advanced options are mainly for older computers or computers with non-standard hardware.  Typically, unless you have problems with the installation, you won’t have to worry about those options.

Once you’ve clicked on Install Kubuntu, you start the graphical installer.  The steps are fairly simple and are about as time consuming as Windows installations. 

This first screen welcomes you and allows you to choose your default language for the installation.

The first page of the actual installation allows you to select your country/region and time zone.  This will customize the defaults to your native language and also select the update servers which are closest to your location.  You can either click on the map, or use the drop-downs.  I actually clicked on the map to get it in the right area, and then chose from the dropdown on the right for the time zone.

On this screen, you’ll choose the keyboard layout.  Unless you use a different (non-standard) keyboard, or Kubuntu doesn’t immediately recognize your keyboard layout, you should just have to click Forward.  Make sure the keyboard in the picture looks exactly like the one you’re using.

Ahhh now we are at the scary part.  Up until now, nothing has happened to your computer.  This is the point where it all changes.  But you don’t need to worry.  If you are using a blank hard drive, you will see the options that are presented here.  If you have Windows installed, you will be presented with some alternative options. 

1. Install and use side-by-side (default)  This option takes some of the space away from your current Windows setup, and uses it for Kubuntu.  It also creates a dual-boot system where you can choose either or.
2. Use the largest consecutive free-space.  This option does exactly what it implies.  It finds the biggest amount of free space in your drive (unallocated partitions) and installs Kubuntu there.
3. Use entire hard disk.  This will completely erase Windows and any data you have on the drive.
4. Manually partition.  This is where you can set up everything yourself (only recommended for Advanced Users).

When you’ve made your choice and clicked Forward, the new partitions are written to the drive.  This is the point where it will format your drive, or just move things around for you—depending on which you choose.

Here is where you’ll enter your user information.  There are two things to note about Linux here.  For your username, you cannot use capital letters or spaces.  You can use _ though.  So, as you start typing your name, Kubuntu will fill the username in with your first name and stop at the space.  You’re free to use that, or change it as you wish.  It may also fill in the computer name, which you can change.

The default login option is the most secure one, and is preferred if you have multiple users.  You can create the additional users after you’ve installed Kubuntu.

This screen is a summary of the changes that you are going to make.  If everything is right, click Forward.  The next screen shows the Advanced Options.

The only option that wasn’t checked by default is the bottom one (participate in the package usage survey).  This option allows Cannonical to monitor what packages you use most frequently.

Finally after clicking Forward, we’re on to the installation…  And it’s time to sit back or get some coffee.

This is just the first stage prior to repartitioning and formatting the drive.  Then the installer will copy the files over to the drive and complete the installation.

 

At this point the installation is finished.  You should click Restart and then remove the CD from the tray.  When Kubuntu reboots, you’ll be presented with the login screen and you’re on your way.

Next post, I will show you some of the things you can do in Kubuntu.

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

Kubuntu (Ubuntu) releases Karmic Koala (or 9.10) today.

Connonical is releasing their latest version of the Ubuntu Linux Operating System on October 29, 2009.  I downloaded the RC version of Kubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) and have installed it on two computers so far.  In the next few posts, I plan on showing you how to install Kubuntu, and how to do things in it.

Part of the reason for this series of posts is this:  If you read any of the tech blogs, you see “fanboys” of Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.  They are all eager to tell you how great their Operating System is and how horrible the others are.  The sad reality is that the average person will read these comments and dismiss the operating system because of them. 

My intention is to show you first-hand how to use Kubuntu.  By doing that, I hope that you will make an honest decision about whether sticking with Windows or migrating to Kubuntu (or any version of Linux) is right for you.  Ironically enough, I’m running Kubuntu inside of a VirtualBox virtual machine.  And it is running on Windows 7.  Reasoning?  Because for me it’s easier to take the screenshots from Windows (although I could take them inside of Kubuntu)—and keep them small enough for people to download.  Who knows though..  Maybe two days into this, I will just use Kubuntu to do the entire series.  We shall see….

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

Windows 7—UAC

Ahhh UAC.  This was one of the most despised features of Windows Vista.  It was intended to improve security by creating the equivalent of “Super User'” (su) or “Sudo” in Linux.  The concept is that if the action that you (or software) is taking could change the system (for good or bad), you had to be an Administrator or super-user to do it.  Normally, you ran as a standard user.

However, Microsoft messed up.  Where Linux only requires super-user or sudo (Sudo allows you to use the super-user mode for the specific installation or command that you’re performing—without having to essentially log in as the super-user.)  for certain things, Microsoft required it for virtually everything that you did on the computer.  They also had two options:  On (full) or Off.  Typically users would either turn it off, or just click “Yes” or “Continue” for everything.  Either way, it’s not secure—and it defeats the purpose.

With Windows 7, Microsoft went a long ways towards improving UAC.  Now, it has a slider with three settings:  High (Full like Vista), Medium (the default) and Off.  Technically, there are four settings.  The only difference between the higher and lower ones are whether it dims the desktop.  The triggers are still the same. With the default, you’re only prompted if software tries to change something on the computer.  So, you can move things, or delete things without an annoying prompt.  While a lot of actions will show the “Shield” for UAC, only a few of them actually generate a prompt.

With Windows 7, Microsoft has gotten a lot closer to the Linux version of super-user.  This is good for two reasons.  1)  There’s a good chance that the average user won’t ignore the prompts and will be more secure. 2) If a Windows user migrates over to Linux or vice versa, they’re already familiar with the concept.  An unnoticed bonus is that Apple won’t be able to use the UAC in their ads now.

So, if you are a current Vista user, my suggestion is this:  When you upgrade to Windows 7, leave UAC on for a while.  Give it a fair shake and see if you like it.  If it’s still too annoying, see if it’s set on High.  If it’s set on the default, you could try the lower setting (Notify me if programs try to make changes on my computer- but don’t dim the desktop).  If that still doesn’t satisfy you, then you could turn it off.

I’ve been running Windows 7 since the Beta 1 was released in January.  When I tested (and used Vista) I turned UAC off within a few days because a few programs wouldn’t install properly with it on.  I haven’t changed UAC once on Windows 7, and installed all of the programs plus more.  Hopefully you’ll find that UAC is better, and that you’ll let it do it’s job—protecting you.

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

Windows 7 – Day 2 (Day 1 post launch)

Ok, so you’ve purchased your copy of Windows 7, or your computer with it preinstalled (or upgraded to it).  Now you’re sitting here looking at this new operating system and trying to figure out where to go next.  If you’re like most people, you’ll start looking at all of the websites—and be inundated with tons of information about what Windows 7 can do, should do, and won’t do… 

I say relax.  While there are changes, at the heart of Windows 7, it’s just an operating system.  It’s going to do the same things that Windows 1.x through Windows Vista did.  And in most cases, you can still do those things the way you’ve done them in the past.  The changes are just there to try and make a simpler way to do those things—but you’re not required to use them.

Remember that unless you choose to delete or format something, or you just yank the power cord out of the wall, you can’t really do anything to mess up the computer.  So, take a few minutes to look around and get used to the place.  After all, you’re going to be living here for the next couple of years (unless you decide to purchase a Mac, downgrade to XP if it’s an option, or switch to Linux).

The first thing you should do (as you always should) is go to http://update.microsoft.com (like Vista, this will open up the Windows Update pane of the Control Panel) and get your updates.  Do this BEFORE you start listening to your music, or watching your TV.

If you installed Windows 7 clean (or upgraded from your previous Operating System) then you need to make sure that your antivirus and firewall are running properly.  If you purchased a new computer, then you need to decide if you want to keep the antivirus that came packaged with it, or switch to another one. 

While all of the blogs and sites will post their opinions about the different antivirus programs that are bundled with computers, one thing that all of us can agree on is this:  You need to pick one, make sure you can get updates, and update it.  If you like what came with your computer, make a note to purchase it (since most likely it’s a limited trial).  If not, then wipe it off now and put one on that you do like.

Remember that regardless of whether you purchased a PC with Windows 7, installed it, purchased a Mac, or even switched to Linux, the computer is only as secure as you make it.  Practice safe computing, and you’ll fare pretty well—regardless of what issues there are with the Operating System.

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

Windows 7 is available today… Go Get It….

Today is the day that Windows 7 is officially launched (General Availability).  You can probably find it at your local Wal-Mart or Best Buy.  And you can get some pretty decent deals online as well.

Newegg is offering Home Premium for $99.00, Professional for $139.99 and Ultimate for $179.99.  These are pretty decent rates for the product.  But, you’ll have to act fast.  These deals are only good for  a limited time.  Also, it should be noted that these are the OEM versions of Windows 7—not the retail versions.  The main difference is that with an OEM version, it’s locked into the first computer that you install it on (where a retail version can be transferred to another computer).  Also the OEM version comes with no support from Microsoft (as it’s intended for computer manufacturers or builders).

If you are considering the retail versions, then there are a couple of things that you need to be aware of.

• If you purchase a copy that says “Upgrade” on it, you need a valid Operating System on the computer that you’re upgrading.  This locks the keys together so to speak.  What this means is that you can’t transfer the original operating system to another computer (because it’s tied to the license for Windows 7).
• If you purchase a “Full” version of Windows 7, you can upgrade from another operating system, or do a clean installation.  The main difference between this, and the upgrade version, is that you can then transfer the original operating system to another computer (if it’s not an OEM copy).  This is also why the “Full” version is more expensive than the “Upgrade” version, and why they are both more expensive than the “OEM” version.

If you purchase an “Upgrade” or “Full” retail version, you will get both the 32-bit and 64-bit DVD’s in your box.  However there are a couple of limitations that you need to be aware of.

• If you have a 32-bit processor, the obvious limitation that you can’t install the 64-bit version on there applies.
• You can only install one copy.  So, if you install the 64-bit version on your main computer, you cannot install the 32-bit version on a second computer (without an additional license) or transfer that copy to someone else.
• Also, if you install the 32-bit version and later want to migrate to the 64-bit version, you can use Windows Easy Transfer to migrate your files and settings.  HOWEVER, if you install the 64-bit version, and later decide that you want to go to the 32-bit, it won’t work. You will have to copy your files manually to another drive, and reinstall and reconfigure your settings.

Hopefully with this quick guide, you’ll find what you want.  And I hope that you’ll enjoy Windows 7 as much as I do.  I really liked Vista (although on one of my computers it didn’t run as well as expected), but I’ve upgraded completely to Windows 7 and won’t look back.  It’s quite possibly one of the best Operating Systems that Microsoft has released.  I won’t say it’s the best Operating System out there, because that’s a matter of preference and a matter of specific situations.

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

Windows Home Server—The Unsung Hero

Microsoft created Windows Home Server a few years ago.  You’ve probably never heard of it though.  It doesn’t have the sexiness that Vista was supposedly going to have—or Windows 7 is reputed to have.  It’s not flashy or sporty and not advertised in commercials (or really anywhere at all).

But, it is probably the best (or one of the best) operating systems that Microsoft has ever put out.  And it may be one of the best operating systems in general.  This is coming from someone who likes Linux and Windows.  And this is mainly aimed at the consumer markets (which is what Windows Home Server is aimed at).

Windows Home Server only requires a 1 Ghz processor (32 or 64 bit) and 512 MB of RAM (although I would recommend at least 1 GB).  Once you’ve installed and updated it, you don’t need anything attached except drives.  I originally installed it on an AMD Athalon XP 1800+ computer (that I built in 2003) and moved it over to an E-Machines W3400 desktop.

You install the connector software on the rest of the computers on your network.  Then configure the backup options on each computer and move your files over to the server.  It even provides you with some default locations for your files (and you can create more folders).  Once you’ve moved everything around and configured everything, WHS sits there and does it’s job.

WHS will back up every computer on the network (that has been configured).  It checks to see if the computers have antivirus/antispyware installed and checks for critical updates on the computers.  If one of your computers fails, or you need to upgrade it’s hard drive, WHS provides you with the most recent image of what the computer looked like (up to the last backup).

It really IS a centralized location for everything.  I’ve got my recorded tv saved to the WHS.  I also save my iso files and all of my installers there.  So, if I choose to wipe this computer, I can reinstall everything from WHS (or restore an image).  And I have my music stored there.  No more having to make sure my desktop is running, so my laptop can listen to music or watch videos.

If you have computers that meet the requirements and are basically sitting around collecting dust, then this is an option for you.  You can buy external USB drives (as many as you have USB ports available for) and add internal drives to it.  Then just install WHS and set everything up.

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

From Windows XP To Windows 7

There has been a lot of discussion about the upgrade paths to Windows 7.  And most of the latest have focused on the lack of upgrades from Windows XP.  This would seem to be a daunting issue—especially for corporations.  And it would seem like a daunting issue for consumers as well.

In truth, it’s probably more of an issue for corporations then it is for the average person.  But here are some things to know.

Installation methods:

Your only real option is a custom install (a fancy way of saying clean installation or wipe the drive and start over from scratch).  If you’re considering this type of installation, and are a consumer, the first thing you need to do is run the File and Settings Transfer Wizard from the Windows 7 disc (Windows Easy Transfer).  You will want to save the files and settings to an external drive or DVD’s.  And you’ll want to make sure that you don’t password protect the file.

After you have installed Windows 7, you will have to reinstall all of your programs.  You may be thinking “How do I know what I had installed, and what I want to reinstall?”  That’s one place that your Windows Easy Transfer comes in.  The first thing you’ll want to do is re-run that application and restore the files and settings to the new (upgraded) computer.  At the end of this, you’ll have the option to view a report.  This report will list all of the programs that you had installed (and in some cases, will provide you with links to the programs).

My Programs won’t run on Windows 7

Undoubtedly you will run into this situation eventually.  One or more of your programs won’t want to run in Windows 7.  You have two options at this point.  You can try to install them in Windows XP compatibility, or you can see if there’s an updated version of the program that runs in Windows Vista/Windows 7.  The only problem is in some cases, you’ll have to pay for the upgrade.  However unless the upgrade breaks features that you need, or the cost is so high that you can’t afford it, you’re better off buying the upgrade.

You have one other option that corporations will most likely have (and use).  If you choose to purchase a copy of Windows 7 that is “Business Professional”, “Enterprise (for corporate users)”, or “Ultimate”, you will have access to “XP Mode”.  XP Mode is similar to Virtual PC—in that it uses VPC, but it’s a specially configured copy of Windows XP.  There is an issue though that needs to be considered here too.  Your computer must be new enough and have the right BIOS and hardware configurations to support XP Mode.  The computer must support “Hardware Virtualization”.

If your computer doesn’t qualify for XP Mode, then you still have options.  If you had purchased a full version of Windows 7 (not an OEM version that comes with your computer, or an “Upgrade” version), and you don’t have an OEM copy of Windows XP installed on the computer (preinstalled from the manufacturer), you can install Virtual PC and install Windows XP inside of the Virtual Machine.  You may run into issues with activation, but probably nothing that you can’t take care of over the phone.

Final thoughts

Finally, before you take my word for this (or the word of the other news reporters and bloggers) do some research.  As of this posting, you have 10 days before you can get a copy of Windows 7.  Probably more—depending on how you’re going to get your copy.  Research the programs that you use on a regular basis.  Find out if they will work with Windows 7, or if you can upgrade. 

If it’s going to cost you money to upgrade, find out if you can use Virtual PC/XP Mode.  Also find out if there are trial versions available for your programs.  This will allow you to start using them now, and put off the cost for a short time.  But most definitely research all of your options before you rule out anything.

Have a great day:)
Patrick.

Setting up a Windows Home Server

A long time ago, I was in the Windows Home Server beta.  It was a useful solution for backing up my network and I enjoyed testing it out immensely.  However, there were a few things that I wished it could do.  At the end of the beta, I stopped participating, except occasionally looking at what they offered for us to test.  Now, I’m getting back into the swing of things.

Windows Home Server (if you’re not familiar with the product) is based on Microsoft's Windows Server 2003.  It has been reconfigured for what Microsoft deems a home user’s needs.  It provides you with a centralized backup system for all of your network computers (up to 10) and monitors certain factors of the network (antivirus installed, updates needed, and whatever the security center provides).  You also have the option of web-based access to your files, music, pictures, and video from any computer that can access the server.

You’re given a web-link to yoursitename.homeserver.com which will provide the web access.  And you’re not limited to the computers in your network when it comes to accessing and downloading from your server.  Anyone who has a username and password can use any computer (as long as it will run the necessary ActiveX controls) to access the server.  Best part is, you can use Remote Desktop from the server to any computer inside of your network (which is capable of receiving the connections)—all from outside of your network via a browser.

I’ve set up an evaluation copy of Home Server, and am in the process of tweaking things.  And I intend to move it to another computer in the near future.  Some of the things that I’ve ran into include the following…

• If you have your network cable connected during the initial installation, you will run into a problem where any name you put in for the server triggers an error message “The name you have chosen is already in use on your network.”  The fix is simple, unplug the cable and try the name again.
• If you have an IP address in the 192.168.x.x range, then you need to do three things.  1)  Create a static IP on the server. 2) Make sure that UPnP is enabled on your modem or router before you start the configuration of Remote Access on Windows Home Server. 3) Configure your router or modem to forward the following ports to that IP: 80 (HTTP ), 443 (SSL or SSH access), and 4125.  You’ll want to cover your bases and choose “Both” in the TCP/UDP options.

The latest beta (PowerPack 3) is supposed to allow Windows Home Server to automatically pull your Recorded TV shows into the storage.  Prior to this, you had to do that manually.  Record them on your Media Center PC and then copy them over.  I’m not entirely sure what all of the advancements are, but that one alone seems great.

One unfortunate thing about Home Server is, you have to purchase antivirus programs that are geared towards it (or towards servers in general).  There are a few “free” programs, and some of the others are low-cost.  Hopefully the Antivirus that you have installed on your personal computers will have a family pack that works on Home Server.  Otherwise, Avast, AVG, BitDefender, F-Secure, and NOD32 are probably the chepest options.  But, you’ll want to check into this yourself.

As I play more, I’ll post about my experiences.  Currently, I’m on the 120 day evaluation.  Which is nice, because it gives me 4 months to decide if I want to spend $99.00 on a copy, $399.00 on a low-end system, or scrap the entire thing.

Have a great day:)
Patrick.